My name is Mariela, and I come from Jalisco, Mexico. I came to the U.S. two years ago because I wanted to see this country for myself, and I wanted to work. However, being here is not what I expected. Before I came, I imagined that life in this country would be easier, but it hasn't been like that. I'm a cashier at a food truck in Chicago. I feel grateful because at my young age I have achieved things that I did not think I could achieve. My hope is to have my own business one day, and my dream is to travel and see the world. To those who read my story, I would like to say that if you want to come to the U.S. it is not easy, and it is even more difficult as a woman.
En Español:
Mi nombre es Mariela y vengo de Jalisco, México. Llegué a EE.UU hace dos años porque quería conocer este país y quería trabajar. Me doy cuenta que estar aquí no es lo que yo esperaba. Antes de venir, me imaginaba que la vida en este país sería más fácil, pero no ha sido así. Trabajo como cajera en un food truck en Chicago. Me siento agradecida porque a mi corta edad he logrado cosas que no pensé que podría lograr. Mi meta sería tener un negocio propio y mi sueño es viajar y conocer el mundo. A quienes lean mi historia, me gustaría decirles que venir a EE.UU no es fácil y es aún más difícil siendo mujer.
There are migrant women who move across international borders, state and county lines to work along the food supply chain and provide for their families. Some of these migrant women are among the 2.1 million immigrant community members who work in jobs growing, harvesting, processing, and selling food in the US, serving an essential role.
Despite the fact that they were named "essential workers" by government officials of all political backgrounds, companies and consumers during the global pandemic, many of these community members are denied basic rights and face unimaginable challenges. They are also often invisible to the people and the communities where they work and live.
Add your voice to the growing list of people calling on Congress to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals who worked in essential sectors during the pandemic. Call on Congress to support the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act.
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